Evommune Gains Exclusive Rights to Develop and Market Phase 2-ready IL-18 Fusion Protein from AprilBio

Evommune, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Palo Alto, California, has announced a significant new collaboration with AprilBio Co., Ltd., a South Korean biopharmaceutical company. This partnership revolves around an IL-18 targeted fusion protein, which will play a crucial role in Evommune’s efforts to treat immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Evommune will have exclusive, global rights to research, develop, and commercialize the IL-18 targeted fusion protein, now renamed EVO301. This long-acting injectable protein is designed to neutralize the IL-18 signal pathway, a key factor in regulating inflammation. IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a vital role in the T-cell-helper type 1 response, primarily by inducing IFN-gamma production in T-cells and natural killer cells.

Evommune plans to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial for EVO301 in early 2025. The company believes that EVO301 has the potential to be a best-in-class therapeutic option for patients who are underserved by existing treatment options in multiple inflammatory diseases. According to Luis Pena, President & CEO of Evommune, "EVO301 leverages a novel approach in a mechanism that has shown activity in previous clinical trials. This product candidate may facilitate deep tissue penetration with an extended half-life, thanks to the proprietary serum albumin binding motif fused to an IL-18 binding protein."

Dr. Sang-hoon Cha, CEO of AprilBio, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that Evommune's expertise in drug development for chronic inflammatory diseases made them an ideal partner. AprilBio, founded in 2013, specializes in developing biologics and antibody drugs, focusing on rare diseases, oncology, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions. The company's platform technologies include a human phage-display antibody library and Anti-Serum Albumin Fab-Associated (SAFA) technology, which extends the half-life and enhances the efficacy of biological therapeutics.

Evommune is committed to pioneering new treatments for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The addition of EVO301 to their portfolio is a significant milestone in their mission to offer innovative therapies that address both symptoms and the progression of chronic inflammatory conditions. This new partnership with AprilBio aligns with Evommune's strategy to broaden its pipeline and bring forward therapies that can significantly impact patients' lives.

In conclusion, the new license agreement between Evommune and AprilBio marks a promising advancement in the field of immunology. With the potential to address multiple inflammatory diseases, the development of EVO301 represents a significant step forward in the treatment of conditions that are currently underserved by existing therapies. The collaboration underscores the importance of global partnerships in advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.